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Clive Davis, the legendary American music executive who helped shape the careers of some of the most influential artists in modern music history, has died at 94.
He passed away on Monday at his home in New York City. While an official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, reports indicate he had recently been hospitalised in New York due to an upper respiratory infection.
He was discharged on June 4 and had returned home shortly before his passing. His death marks the end of a six-decade career that left a lasting imprint on the global music industry.
In a statement, his family paid tribute to both his towering professional legacy and his deep role within the family. They described him as a visionary whose instincts and relentless pursuit of excellence helped shape the soundtrack of countless lives. According to the statement, he discovered, mentored, and championed some of the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving a cultural impact that will endure for generations. They also highlighted his role as a devoted father and grandfather, remembering him as a steady presence defined by wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love.
Davis’s career spanned more than sixty years, during which he became one of the most powerful and influential figures in the music business. He served as president of Columbia Records from 1967 to 1973, a period widely considered a golden era for the label. In 1974, he founded Arista Records, which he led until 2000, before establishing J Records and holding senior roles at RCA Music Group and BMG North America.
Known for his exceptional ability to identify talent, he played a key role in the rise of artists including Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, Santana, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, Kelly Clarkson, and Aerosmith, shaping the careers of many who would become global icons.
